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2015 Badminton Horse Trails Blog

Its this time of year again, the 2015 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trails set in the beautiful Gloucestershire countryside.

A little bit of History for you, Badminton House is now the family home of the 11th Duke of Beaufort. He is President of the Horse Trials and was a very successful rider in the sport. He was even placed second at Badminton in 1959. The first ever Badminton event was held in 1949, and it was the 10th Duke of Beaufort’s idea, he wanted to hold such an event so British rider could practice and train for the international events. In the 1949 there was 22 competitors, from only two countries, Britain and Ireland.

Badminton has become one of the most popular and well known UK eventing weekends in the world. Riders and horses travel from all over the world to complete at this prestigious 3-day a week event. There are two dressage days, a cross-country day, and to finish off, show jumping on the last day. For the Dressage the horses need to be disciplines, elegant and obedient, then for the cross country they need to be fit enough to complete the 4 mile course jumping over rustic solid fences, all within a set time. Finally, on the last day after all the previous days, the horse must complete a course of show jumps, showing accuracy and agility.

Badminton is a great spectator sport also, the love of watching these incredible horses and riders ride around a stunning cross country course, or float around the dressage arena is magnificent. Not only is it about the event itself, badminton is well known for its shopping! The shopping village attracts a huge selection of well know brands who come to set up a stall every year. This shopping is another huge attraction for Badminton, some people come just to shop!

Mary King riding IMPERIAL CAVALIER

No wonder Badminton is so impressive when you look at this figures:

• 150,000+ –  average number of visitors over four days.
• 84 riders for the main event from 12 to 15 nations, 154 for the grassroots competition.
• 275 individual trade stands and over 400 businesses represented. (Devon Clothing, Chas N Whillans and Gibson Saddlers have attended since 1964 or before).
• 1000 caravans (approximately) and 400 tents pitch up.
• Eight car parks are created, the total area of the horse trials covers 500 acres of Badminton Park.
• 500 journalists and photographers and 15 TV cameras record the Event for a worldwide audience.
• 750 toilets and 120 showers on-site.
• 600 volunteers take part to help run the event

Its currently Saturday 9th May, Cross Country day at Badminton! After the Dressage the results are currently Andrew Nicholoson is in first place, followed by William Fox-pit. The Cross Country kicked off at 11.30 this morning. Tomorrow we will find out who gets 1st place and becomes 2015 Badminton winner!

E.L.Equine would love to go to Badminton to the Shopping Village and show you all our beautiful products. You never know, 2016 watch out, we might be there!